The invention is directed to routing data packets in networks having routers configured as a virtual router using virtual router redundancy protocol (VRRP). Embodiments of the invention adjust route metrics to aid in providing predictable selection of routes into VRRP subnets. Advantageously, providing predictable selection of routes into VRRP subnets enhances a network operator's ability to meet service level agreements for critical or delay sensitive applications.

First claim

1. A method of adjusting route metrics in a data packet router, comprising the steps of:
determining if virtual routing redundancy protocol (VRRP) routing is enabled on the router;
determining, responsive to VRRP being enabled on the router, if the router is a backup VRRP router;
setting on the router, responsive to VRRP being enabled on the router and the router being a VRRP backup router, a pointer in a routing information base (RIB) entry for an interface of the router to point to a first metric entry of a management information base (MIB) object corresponding to the interface; and
setting on the router, responsive to VRRP being enabled on the router and the router not being a VRRP backup router, the pointer to point to a second metric entry of the MIB object, wherein the second metric entry has a value that is different than a value of the first metric entry.